It was a strong statistical preseason for Rockets forward Tari Eason, who projects to be the most frequently used reserve in Houston’s 2026-27 rotation and perhaps an eventual “NBA Sixth Man of the Year” candidate.
After slumping late in the 2025-26 season, Eason returned to form in the 2026 playoffs, and he seems to have built on that over the months since.
At 6-foot-8 and 25 years old, Eason should remain one of Houston’s best and most versatile defensive players, as well.
So, heading into his fifth NBA season, what has changed?
At Tuesday’s practice leading into Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Mavericks, head coach Ime Udoka offered his perspective:
At the opening of training camp, Eason pointed to his new contract as a reason for mental clarity. But in his comments to Rockets Wire, Udoka said there was much more to it.
“I would say that takes some weight off his shoulders,” Udoka said of Eason’s new five-year contract.
“But the work he put in all summer was regardless of the contract. We were out in LA (Los Angeles) quite a bit. He was working out with guys, and you could see in the gym in the scrimmages, how good he looks. And he’s had good carryover into camp.”
Eason and the Rockets will begin their 2026-27 regular season with Wednesday’s home opener versus Dallas, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Toyota Center. The game will be televised and streamed regionally via Space City Home Network (SCHN) and to national and international audiences via NBA League Pass.
Houston is coming off consecutive seasons with a 52-30 record before losing a first-round series in the Western Conference playoffs. The plan is for a much deeper run in the 2027 playoffs next spring, and a breakthrough year from Eason would certainly help the cause.
More: With ‘clear head’ and new contract, Tari Eason is more focused than ever
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Entering 2026-27, Rockets see a better, ‘more explosive’ Tari Eason